The Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC), an agency of the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, has recognized 87 Maryland artists for creating work of exceptional quality within a range of disciplines. This class of outstanding writers, artists and performers was selected from nearly 600 applicants (including yours truly) and awarded grants ranging from $1,000 to $6,000 to advance their artistic careers. This year’s Individual Artist Awards went to artists working within the disciplines of Fiction; Painting; Media/Digital/Electronic Arts; Solo Theatrical Performance; and Works on Paper. Although I was rejected for the billionth time, I congratulate all the artists who received an award - yay!
 Portrait of Fair Young Fia as Licensed Royalty by Katherine Miller |
“Artists and art making in Maryland help fuel our creative economy and expand opportunities for cultural engagement across the state,” said Theresa Colvin, Executive Director of MSAC. “The diverse works of exceptional individual artists is essential to the arts industry, which generates a billion dollars a year in Maryland.”
The MSAC’s competitive Individual Artists Award (IAA) is a program administered by Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation that recognizes the value of artists and their work to the cultural vitality of Maryland. In determining the awards, an out-of-state jury reviews unidentified IAA submissions and recommends grant awards solely on the basis of artistic ability.
Many artists report applying IAA grant funds toward the cost of materials needed to complete their projects. Sculptor David Knopp, a 2012 Individual Artist Award recipient wrote, “Since receiving the award, I have completed two more functional sculptures, and the monetary award supplied the materials to complete them. I will be experimenting with incorporating other hardwoods into my sculptures and hardwoods come at a hefty price. The award will aid in purchasing the lumber.” Knopp, a lifelong Baltimore resident who works a night shift, and spends the days producing art, was later named one of only three 2012 Baker Artists—a prestigious distinction accompanied by a $25,000 grant.
The MSAC’s competitive Individual Artists Award (IAA) is a program administered by Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation that recognizes the value of artists and their work to the cultural vitality of Maryland. In determining the awards, an out-of-state jury reviews unidentified IAA submissions and recommends grant awards solely on the basis of artistic ability.
Many artists report applying IAA grant funds toward the cost of materials needed to complete their projects. Sculptor David Knopp, a 2012 Individual Artist Award recipient wrote, “Since receiving the award, I have completed two more functional sculptures, and the monetary award supplied the materials to complete them. I will be experimenting with incorporating other hardwoods into my sculptures and hardwoods come at a hefty price. The award will aid in purchasing the lumber.” Knopp, a lifelong Baltimore resident who works a night shift, and spends the days producing art, was later named one of only three 2012 Baker Artists—a prestigious distinction accompanied by a $25,000 grant.
A celebration in honor of Maryland’s 2013 Individual Artist Awardees will be held in May.
